Tom Kha Gai Soup (Print Version)

Creamy Thai coconut soup with chicken, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs in a richly spiced broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken & Broth

01 - 14 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
02 - 3⅓ cups chicken stock
03 - 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

→ Aromatics

04 - 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
05 - 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
06 - 3 slices galangal or fresh ginger
07 - 3 Thai bird's eye chilies, crushed
08 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed
09 - 4 small shallots, sliced

→ Vegetables

10 - 7 oz oyster or white mushrooms, sliced
11 - 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Seasonings

12 - 2½ tablespoons fish sauce
13 - 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
14 - 1 teaspoon palm sugar or light brown sugar
15 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Garnishes

16 - Fresh cilantro leaves
17 - Sliced green onions
18 - Lime wedges
19 - Thinly sliced red chili, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large saucepan, bring chicken stock to a gentle boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, garlic, and shallots. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
02 - Add chicken breast slices to the broth. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
03 - Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently. Add mushrooms and tomatoes. Simmer for another 5 minutes without allowing the soup to boil.
04 - Season with fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning according to preference.
05 - Remove the aromatic ingredients (lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and garlic) with a slotted spoon before serving, if desired.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and additional chili if desired. Serve immediately.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • Authentic Aromatics: Features traditional ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves for a true Thai flavor profile.
  • Quick and Easy: A sophisticated soup that comes together in only 40 minutes with simple techniques.
  • Dietary Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of lifestyles.
02 -
  • Aromatic Removal: Use a slotted spoon to remove the tough pieces of lemongrass and galangal before serving to make the soup easier to eat.
  • Ingredient Safety: Always check your fish sauce for gluten if you have a sensitivity, and verify coconut products if you have nut-related allergies.
  • Flavor Balance: If the soup feels too salty, add a little extra lime juice; if it is too sour, a tiny pinch more palm sugar can round out the flavor.
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